Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a disproportionate impact on women. Long term sequelae include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth and infertility. STIs impact the pediatric population by mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), during childhood, by sexual abuse, and in adolescence, through unprotected sexual activity, a particular threat to female adolescents and young men who have sex with men (MSM). Demographic forces worldwide have increased numbers of adolescents and young adults. MTCT of STIs, especially syphilis, causes considerable morbidity even with treatment. Some STIs cause cancers and/or promote HIV transmission. Biomedical and behavioral research promise the possibility of elimination of the impact of STIs on women and children. We are particularly interested in manuscripts that report new findings relevant to STIs in these populations, promising strategies to address barriers to prevention and treatment of STIs, including new antimicrobial or other biomedical strategies, and evaluations of acceptability, safety and effectiveness of STI interventions. Papers that describe strategies for underserved populations are of particular interest. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Integration of prenatal, contraceptive, and infant care and STI diagnosis and treatment
• Immunizations for STIs, including human papillomavirus infection, in children of both sexes
• Noninvasive, innovative and self-collected specimens for STI screening and diagnosis
• Innovative methods of improving sexual partner notification and treatment
• Social, behavioral, structural, and other factors relevant to STIs in women and children
• Mucosal immunity, the vaginal ecosystem and vaginal microbicides
• Hormonal contraception and risk of STIs
• Role of STIs in premature birth, intrauterine growth retardation, and infant health
• Mental health and behavioral aspects of STIs
• Integration of maternal and child health (MCH), women, adolescent health and STI care

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